My father-in-law called at the last minute and invited us to meet him and my sister-in-law, Rebekah at Aunt M’s place in Smyrna, Tennessee. Rebekah has orientation at college today and they had some free time last night and wanted to visit with us. Husband had made other commitments, it’s been a year and a half since he’s seen his dad. Originally, Husband declined to meet his dad and sister. I had tried to finagle and work out some sort of plan so he could see his family and keep his commitment, but it just wasn’t possible to do both. He reluctantly broke his previous commitment, we picked Joy up from school right at 3:15pm and drove the three hours to Smyrna.
Husband drove most of the way. He’s looking a little scruffy. Both kids fell asleep in the car.
I always get excited about the state signs. 
We arrived at around 5:30 (Central Time). Grandpa welcomed us by giving the kids water-weapons. 
Lucky us.
Especially Aunt Bekah.
(I threatened to "forget" them there. Unfortunately, Joy was on to my plan and made sure they made it into the car.)
Aunt M’s two daughters and their respective husbands and children accompanied them. I had met four of the six of them briefly before, three at brother-in-law’s wedding and the fourth when Aunt M visited us with her granddaughter. It was nice to see and meet everyone.
Aunt M and Husband’s cousin prepared quite a feast. Husband cooked the marinated steaks on the grill, there were mushrooms, onions, potato salad, garden salad, pasta salad, cole slaw, green beans, and ice cream cake in honor of the college-bound girl.
Aunt M’s place is really kid-friendly and the kids had great fun ripping through her house and yard with water-weapons and self-propelling cars.
At around 9pm, Husband’s cousins (and families) left and it got pretty quiet. Husband, his dad and Aunt M chatted in the dining room for a bit while I hung out with Bekah and Joy. Buddha was too busy playing with all the new toys to have time for anyone. He really had a blast. We were invited to spend the night, but since Bekah and Father-in-Law had an early morning, we opted to drive home. I admit, I prefer sleeping in my own bed. I got one last (super-great) photo before leaving.
Three generations
We made it home safely around 3:30am.
I’m really glad we went.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:13 am
@Babyhellfire:
My BFF in FL is trying to talk me into coming. I may. If so, we MUST hook up!
August 17th, 2009 at 1:46 am
AWW ! How awesome! Love the pics! I bet they kids will never forget it. I am glad you decided to go it looks soo fun
… but next time you should come all the way to Florida– it would only be another day or two of driving , my couch folds out